Summary
The present continuous tense is used to describe actions that are happening at the moment, ongoing and temporary actions and future plans. It is formed using a conjugated form of the verb “to be” in the present tense and the “-ing” form of the main verb.
In-depth Explanation
How to Form the Present Continuous Tense
The present continuous is formed with:
- The verb “to be” in the present tense, conjugated based on the subject (“am,” “is” or “are“)
- The present participle (-ing form) of a main verb (e.g., “playing,” “swimming,” “walking“)
So the structure is:
[Subject] + [verb “to be”] + [present participle]
For example:
I am eating.
They are playing outside.
She is reading a book.
The subject pronoun and the verb to be are often contracted. For example:
I’m eating.
They’re playing outside.
She’s reading a book.
Negatives in the Present Continuous
To form the negative in the present continuous tense, simply add the word “not” between the verb “to be” and the present participle (-ing verb):
He is not sleeping.
They are not swimming.
Again, these forms are usually contracted:
He isn’t sleeping.
They’re not swimming. or They aren’t swimming.
Questions in the Present Continuous
You can form questions in the present continuous tense by putting the verb “to be” in front of the subject.
[Verb “to be”] + [subject] + [present participle]…?
For example:
Are you listening to me?
Is she studying for her exam?
What time are we going to the theater tonight?
When to Use the Present Continuous Tense
Here are the main situations when we use the present continuous tense.
- To explain and describe actions that are taking place at this moment.
That dog is running across the road.
I’m enjoying my cappuccino.
- To describe an action or in the future that has been planned.
We’re visiting our grandparents this weekend.
He’s going to the doctor tomorrow at 10am.
- To describe temporary actions or states.
I’m staying with my friend until I find a new apartment.
He’s volunteering at the hospital for a few weeks.
- To describe a continuous series of repeated actions.
It’s always raining in Seattle.
My coworker is constantly interrupting me when I’m speaking.
- To describe changes happening around the present moment.
Prices are increasing rapidly.
Their English is improving.